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BY: Otunba AbdulRahman Abiola-Odunowo (AJ) (abdulrahman.abiolaodunowo@telewyz.ng)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
We acknowledge the recent announcement of a landmark network infrastructure sharing and national roaming agreement between 9mobile and MTN Nigeria, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). While this development is positioned as a strategic step toward improving service delivery and expanding coverage, it also raises serious policy, market, and regulatory concerns that must not be overlooked.
This advisory note outlines our observations, the inherent risks, and key recommendations to ensure Nigeria’s telecommunications market remains competitive, inclusive, and resilient.
OVERVIEW OF AGREEMENT
Nature of the Deal:
1. A three-year infrastructure sharing and roaming agreement between MTN and 9mobile, enabling 9mobile subscribers to roam on MTN’s network nationwide.
Critical Addendum:
2. As part of the executed agreement, 9mobile has formally leased its licensed 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrum bands to MTN for three years, granting MTN expanded access to valuable national spectrum resources
KEY CONCERNS AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS
1. Potential Erosion of Market Competition
MTN already holds a dominant market position with significant infrastructure, spectrum holdings, and subscriber base. Gaining access to 9mobile’s spectrum, on top of its own, risks entrenching a monopoly-like position, reducing incentives for innovation and competitive pricing.
2. Regulatory Oversight and Spectrum Integrity
Spectrum is a national resource licensed for specific use and cannot be freely sub-leased without strict regulatory control. Any leasing arrangement must not breach existing spectrum caps or licensing conditions.
3. Loss of Strategic Independence for 9mobile
The move suggests a de facto transition of 9mobile toward becoming an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) dependent on MTN. Over-reliance on MTN infrastructure may ultimately weaken 9mobile’s operational viability and brand relevance.
4. Impact on Smaller Operators and Market Innovation
This sets a precedent for weaker operators to collapse into dominant networks rather than investing in service improvement. It may reduce the appetite for infrastructure investment and innovation across the broader ecosystem.
RECOMMENDATIONS
To safeguard the integrity and competitiveness of Nigeria’s telecom sector, we urge the NCC and relevant stakeholders to:
1. Publish Full Terms of the Agreement
Ensure public transparency of the commercial, technical, and operational terms of the roaming and spectrum leasing arrangements.
2. Conduct a Market Impact Assessment
Commission an independent assessment of how the deal affects competition, consumer welfare, and long-term investment in the sector.
3. Implement Regulatory Safeguards
Limit the duration and scope of the spectrum lease, and prevent any form of spectrum hoarding or market foreclosure. Enforce reciprocal infrastructure access where applicable.
4. Monitor Performance and Outcomes
Set clear performance KPIs and compliance metrics for both operators. Require regular reporting and permit revocation of approvals if outcomes harm consumer choice or market diversity.
5. Review and Update National Spectrum Policy
Re-evaluate existing spectrum licensing frameworks to clearly define and regulate spectrum leasing, trading, or transfer, including thresholds, duration, and market impact limits.
CONCLUSION
While infrastructure sharing and roaming can accelerate coverage expansion and digital inclusion, such arrangements must not become a backdoor for market consolidation or spectrum domination. The long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s digital economy depends on a level playing field, diversified competition, and robust regulatory governance.
We urge all industry stakeholders, regulators, operators, civil society, and investors, to approach this development with caution, foresight, and a firm commitment to national interest.
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